Police hunt thug who punched taxi driver

Police are hunting this man after a taxi driver was viciously assaulted.

Officers were called to Millfields in Eccleston at about 11pm on Friday, March 13, after paramedics reported that a 25-year-old taxi driver had been punched by a passenger.

Detectives believe the taxi driver picked up the offender in Queens Square, Liverpool, at about 10.15pm.

He asked to be taken to St Helens and then asked the driver to go to a cash machine at the Sainsbury’s supermarket on Millfields.

When the driver stopped at the cash point, they both got out of the taxi.

The offender then argued about the fare and punched the taxi driver, knocking him to the ground and leaving him unconscious, before running off.

A member of the public came over to help the driver and called the emergency services.

The victim was taken to hospital - where he was treated for a cut to his forehead and a small puncture wound to his lip. No weapons are believed to have been used during the assault.

DC Roy Waller, of St Helens CID, said: “This was a vicious assault which left the victim in hospital with a head injury that prompted the need for a CT scan.

“Thankfully he is making a very good recovery and I want to reassure people that we are doing everything we can to trace the person responsible for the attack.”

He added: “Taxi drivers provide a vital service which many of us take for granted and they have a right to earn a living, day or night, without having to worry about being verbally abused, threatened or attacked.

“I would appeal to the man pictured, or anyone who recognises him, to get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information can call St Helens CID on 0151 777 6075 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.